“Rear View” |
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|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Album | |
| Released |
March 25, 2016 |
| Format |
Digital Download |
| Recorded |
2015/2016 |
| Length |
3:21 |
| Writers |
Zayn Malik, James "Malay" Ho, Harold Lily |
| Producer |
Malay |
Rear View, stylized as rEaR vIeW, is a song of the English singer-songwriter Zayn Malik's debut solo album, Mind of Mine. It is the eighth track of the album.
Lyrically, "Rear View" appears to reference his former band but viewing "himself as part of the problem" as he is "tired of looking at himself in the metaphorical rear view" and expresses some doubt.[1]
Background
"Rear View" features electronic loops and warbled synths stacked atop of each other, as Zayn's vocals echo throughout the chorus.[2]
Lyrics
Can your heart be mine in search?
'Cause I have no time to help you find
All the words
Melodies and memories
Stories that sound absurd
I will tell no lies
As long as you look me in the eyes
I'll go wherever you are
I'll follow behind
Heard about all the things you've done
And all the wars that you've been in
Heard about all the love you lost
It was over before it began
Heard about all the miles you've gone
Just to start again
Heard about all that you've been through
It sounds like you need a friend, a friend
Please don't wait
I'm not coming home tonight
I wanna love you but I can't
As long as you look me in the eyes
I'll go wherever you are
I'll follow behind
Heard about all the things you've done
And all the wars that you've been in
Heard about all the love you lost
It was over before it began
Heard about all the miles you've gone
Just to start again
Heard about all that you've been through
It sounds like you need a friend, a friend
I never doubted myself
But I doubted you
I'm tired of looking at myself
In my rear view
Heard about all the things you've done
And all the wars that you've been in
Heard about all the love you lost
It was over before it began
Heard about all the miles you've gone
Just to start again
Heard about all that you've been through
It sounds like you need a friend, a friend
Reception
The National said, "rEaR vieW – as the title suggests – conjures Cliff Martinez’ achingly cool Drive soundtrack, all jagged synths, while the rumbling funk of BeFoUr should set even cynical heads nodding.[3] As said by Digital Spy, "In Rear View - with its scattered synths and light guitar strums - he [Zayn] gives the most direct admission yet."[4]